Method of making a multi-card carrier



Jan. 27, 1959 E. H. coPEN 2,871,153

METHOD 0F' MAKING A MULTI-CARD CARRIER Filed sept. 17, 1957 2 sheets-sheet 1 TELEPHONE Jan. 27, 1959 E. @OPEN METHOD OF MAKING A MULTI-CARD CARRIER 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed Sept. 17, 1957 United States Patent METHOD F MAKING A MULTI-CARD CARRIER Edward H. Copen, Far Rockaway, N. Y.

Application September 17, 1957, Serial No. 684,541

9 Claims. (Cl. 154-116) This application is a continuation in part of my copending application Serial No. 622,969, led November 19, 1956, now abandoned, entitled Multi-Card Carrier and Method of Making Same.

This invention relates generally to the field of wallets and portfolios, and more particularly to an improved form of multi-card carrier of the type generally employed for indexing addresses, telephone numbers and the like in alphabetical form.

In the past, the manufacture of such devices has been relatively costly owing to the large degree of hand labor necessary to assemble the component parts of the devices. Not only must a large number of cards be mounted on a supporting member, but care must be taken to assure that the -cards are mounted in proper alphabetical order or sequence. To protect the cards against soil, it is preferable that the same be mounted within a transparent envelope in such a manner as to be readily removed for the insertion of additional information from time to time. The assembly of the cards within the envelope constitutes a further hand operation tending to still further increase the cost of manufacturing the device.

' It is therefore among the principal objects of the present invention to provide an improved multi-card carrier and method of making the same in which a large number of the operations heretofore necessary in the assembly of the device have been eliminated. l

Another object of the invention lies in the provision of a multi-card carrier of the class described in which the individual cards are formed in an enclosed condition whereby subsequent insertion of ra card into a transparent carrier member is dispensed with.

Another object of the invention lies in the provision of a device of the class described in which the total cost of fabrication may be of a low order, with consequent wide sale, distribution and use.

Still another object of the invention lies in the provision of a method for making a multi-card carrier possessed of the above features which will require only ordinary skill in the art, and with an absence of any special tooling of any kind.

A feature of the invention lies in the fact that the device can be constructed with a total absence of sewing operations.

These objects and features, as well as other incidental ends and advantages, will become more clearly apparent during the course of the following disclosure and be pointed out in the appended claims.

On the drawing, to which reference will be made in the specification, similar reference characters have been employed to designate corresponding parts throughout the several views.

Figure 1 is a view in perspective showing a rst step in the making of an embodiment of the invention.

Figure 2 is a view in perspective showing a second step in the method.

Figure 3 is a fragmentary exploded view in perspective showing a third step in the method.

er* CC Figure 4 is a view in perspective showing a fourth step thereof.

Figure 5 is a vertical transverse Asectional view as seen from the plane 5-5 of Figure 4.

Figure 6 is a fragmentary view in elevation of an embodiment of the invention.

Figure 7 is a vertical fragmentary sectional view as seen from the plane 7-7 on Figure 6. This view is diagrammatic in nature.

Figure 8 is an enlarged fragmentary sectional View showing the central part of Figure 7.

Figure 9 is a view in perspective showing an alternate first step in the making of the embodiment shown on Figure 4.

Figure 10 is a view in perspective showing an alternate second step in the method. p

Figure 11 is a fragmentary exploded view in perspective showing an alternate third step in the method.

Figure 12 is a view in perspective showing an alternate fourth step thereof.

Figure 13 is a vertical transverse sectional view as seen from the plane 13--13 on Figure 12.

Figure 14 is a fragmentary view in perspective, partly broken away to show detail of an alternate form of the completed embodiment.

Figure 15 is a View in perspective showing a completed embodiment in its entirety.

In accordance with the invention, the principal embodiment thereof, generally indicated by reference character 10 (see Figure 6) is formed as described hereinbelow of suitable ilexible thermoplastic synthetic resin. Vinyl polymers and copolymers are generally suitable, as is polyethylene.

Referring to Figure l of the drawing, there is shown a rst step in the making of the device which consists in providing first and second planar members 11 and 12, and third and fourth planar members 13 and 14, of polyvinyl material. The first and second planar members 11 and 12 are substantially identical in coniiguration, each including elongated side edges 16 and 17 and end edges 18 and 19 having positioning indentations 20 and 21, respectively therein. The third and fourth members 13 and 14, respectively, are also similar each including side edges 23 and 24 and end edges 25 and 26. As seen in Figure l, the members 13 and 14 are first positioned, following which the members 11 and 12 are placed thereover such that the side edges 16 and 17 of each are axially disposed with respect to the principal axes of the members 13 and 14. This positioning permits the edges 24 to project outwardly of the edges 16 and 17. In this position the members 11 to 14 are sealed together along the edges 16 and 17, and along a parallel line 27 which interconnects the indentations 20 and 21. At the completion of this step there are formed a pair of pockets 22 open at opposite end edges 18 and 19.

Referring to Figure 2, the second step involves the insertion of elongated index card elements 29 and 30 which are of a size adapted to t `snugly within the pockets 22. As seen in Figure 2, the index card elements 29 and 30 are printed to form a plurality of page portions 31 andbear suitable indicia 34 of a type well known in the art.

Referring to Figure 3, the assembled pockets 22 and cards 29-30 are severed transversely as indicated by reference character 36 and longitudinally as indicated by reference character 37 to form a plurality of individual page portion retaining members 38, a completed member being shown on Figures 4 and 5 of the drawing. Each member 38 includes an envelope portion 39 formed from the first and secondvplanar members 11 and 12 and an attaching anged portion 40 having upper and lower iianges 40 formed from either the third or fourth planar germes E members 13 or 14. The individual page portion 31 is accurately positioned within the envelope portion 39 and remains so during the cutting operation.

Referring to Figures 6, 7 and 8 of the drawing, the mounting member 41 may be a part of a wallet, portfolio or other device (Fig. l) the same being provided with a plurality of slits, one of which is indicated by reference character 42, which are positioned in uniformly spaced parallel mutual relationship. The members 38 are mounted thereupon by inserting the same through the slits 42 and pulling the same to bring the attaching fianged or tab portions 40 (see Figures 3, 4 and 5) in abutting relation with the plane of the mounting member 41. In this position, the attaching flanged portion 40 will be disposed in spaced parallel relation, and a pressure sensitive adhesive tape member 43 is then pressed against the exposed surfaces of all of the flanged portions 40 to secure the same in fixed relative position. Following this, a covering sheet 44 may be heat sealed at the edges 47 and if desired an additional sheet 45 may be heat sealed at the same edges to provide a pocket for the insertion of other material. If desired, the tape member 43 may be omitted, as the sheet 44 will provide a similar function when sealed. As seen in Figure 4, the retaining members 38 will exhibit a natural tendency to lie flat owing to the fact that the same were heat sealed in this position and will pivot about the interconnection of the envelope portion 39 and the flanged portion 40 as a hinge means.

To insert additional information upon page portions 31 it is necessary only to slide the same from engagement with the envelope portion 39 and replace the same in a similar manner.

Turning now to the alternate steps in the method, structural parts corresponding to those in the method described above have been designated by similar reference characters with the additional prefix 1.

As seen on Figures 9 to 14, inclusive, the alternate steps differ from those described in the elimination of the fourth planar member 14, and the provision of first and second planar members 111 and 112 which when integrated form a single pocket 122 rather than the pair of pockets 22 as shown on Figures l and 2 on the drawing.

In lieu of the pressure sensitive adhesive tape member 43, a synthetic resinous tape member 143 (see Figure 14) is provided which is directly heat sealed to the mounting member 141, including areas indicated by reference character 50 disposed between the flange portion 140.

If desired, the step of inserting the index card elements 29, 30 and 129 may be performed after the remaining parts of the device have been completely assembled which procedure may be useful where a variety of printing is employed on various forms of card elements.

Where the members 11, 12, 13 and 111, 112, 1113 and 114 are originally a shorter length, as for example that of the length of the slits 42, certain of the cutting or severing steps may be eliminated.

It may thus be seen that I have invented novel and highly useful improvements in multi-card carriers and methods for making the same, in which it is possible to eliminate a large part of the heretofore necessary hand fitting of component parts during assembly. By fabrieating the individual card retaining members and index cards in integral form prior to severing operation, the individual fitting of each card within its corresponding element is eliminated, and by resort to heat sealing no sewing operations are necessary. The assembled device may have an attractive appearance and more than adequate durability for its contemplated use, and is easily ymanipulated by the user.

I wish it to be understood that l do not consider the invention limited to the precise details of stmcture shown and set forth in this specification, for obvious modifications will occur to those skilled in the art to which the v,invention pertains.

I claim:

l. The method of making a multi-card carrier comprising the steps of (l) providing first and second members of generally planar rectangular shape, and a .third generally elongated planar member of synthetic resinous material; (2) interconnecting said first and second members along the longer edges thereof to form an envelope open at at least one end edge thereof, and interconnecting one of said longer edges along the principal axis of said third member to form a anged portion having a palr of lateraily extending continuous iianges each disposed in a common plane parallel to the planes of said first and second members and having free edges thereof which are in spaced relation with respect to said longer edges of said first and second members; (3) providing a mounting member of generally planar configuration and having a slit extending through the body of the same, said slit having a length substantially equal to the length of said first and second interconnected members; (4) inserting Y said interconnected first and second members through said slit to the point where said fianges engage the surface of said mounting member adjacent said slit.

2. The method of making a multi-card carrier comprising the steps of (l) providing first and second members of generally planar rectangular shape and a third generally elongated planar member all of synthetic resinous material; (2) interconnecting said first and second members along the longer edges thereof to form an envelope open at at least one end edge thereof, and interconnecting one of said longer edges along the principal axis of said third member to form a flanged portion having a pair of laterally extending continuous flanges each disposed in a common plane parallel to the planes of said first and second members and having free edges thereof which are in spaced relation with respect to said longer edges of said first and second members; (3) providing a mounting member of generally planar configuration and having a slit extending through the body of the same, said slit having a length substantially equal to the length of said first and second interconnected members; (4) inserting said interconnected first and second members through said slit to the point where said anges engage the surface of said mounting member adjacent said slit.

3. The method of making a multi-card carrier comprising the steps of (l) providing first and second members of generally planar rectangular shape and a third generally elongated planar member all of synthetic resinous material; (2) interconnecting said first and second members along the longer edges thereof to form an envelope open at at least one end edge thereof, and interconnecting one of said longer edges along the principal axis of said third member to form a flanged portion having a pair of laterally extending continuous flanges each disposed in a common plane parallel to the planes of said first and second members and having free edges thereof which are in spaced relation with respect to said longer edges of said first and second members; (3) providing a mounting member of generally planar configuration and having a slit extending through the body of the same, said slit having a length substantially equal to the length of said first and second interconnected members; (4) inserting said interconnected first and second members through said slit to the point where said -fianges engage the surface of said mounting member adjacent said slit; (5) and applying adhesive means in the form of a tape to engage the exposed surfaces of said flanges and said mounting member tomaintain said flanges and said mounting member in fixed mutual relationship.

4. The method of making a multi-card carrier comprising the steps of (l) providing first and second members of generally planar rectangular shape and a third generally elongated planar member all ofr synthetic resinous material; (2) interconnecting. said firstandsecond members along the longerA edges .thereof to form an envelope open at at least one end edge thereof, and interconnecting one of said longer edges along the principalV axis of said third member to form a flanged portion having a pair of laterally extending continuous flanges each disposed in a common plane parallel to the planes of said first and second members and having free edges thereof which are in spaced relation with respect to said longer edges of said first and second members; (3) providing a mounting member of generally planar configuration and having a slit extending through the body of the same, said slit having a length substantially equal to the length of said first and second interconnected members; (4) inserting said interconnected first and second members through said slit to the point where said -flanges engage the surface of said mounting member adjacent said slit; (5) and applying means in the form of a sealable strip to said mounting member to maintain said flanges and said mounting member in fixed mutual relationship.

5. The method of making a multi-card carrier comprising the steps of (l) providing first and second members of generally planar shape and a third generally elongated planar member all of synthetic resinous material; (2) interconnecting said first and second members along the longer edges thereof to form an envelope opened at at least one end edge thereof, and interconnecting one of said longer edges along the principal axis of said third member to form a flanged member having a pair of laterally extending flanges each disposed in a common plane parallel to the planes of said first and second members and having free edges thereof which are in spaced relation with respect to said longer edges of said first and second members; (3) severing said integrated first, second and third members at suitable substantially equal intervals along the said axis; (4) providing a mounting member of generally planar configuration and having a plurality of slits extending through the body of the same, and disposed in substantially parallel relation, said slits having a length substantially equal to the length of said severed integrated first, second and third members; (5 inserting said interconnected first, second and third members through said slits to a point where said flanges engage the surface of said mounting member adjacent said slits.

6. The method of making a multi-card carrier comprising the steps of (l) providing first and second members of generally planar shape and a third generally elongated planar member all of synthetic resinous material; (2) interconnecting said first and second members along the longer edges thereof to form an envelope opened at at least one end edge thereof, and interconnecting one of said longer edges along the principal axis of said third posed in substantially' parallel relation, said slits having a length substantially equal to the length of said severed integrated first, second and third members.; (5) inserting said interconnected first, second and third members through said slits to a point where said flanges engage the surface of said mounting member adjacent said slits; (6) applying adhesive means in the form of atape to engage the exposed surfaces of said tabs to maintain the same in fixed mutual relationship.

7. The method of making a multi-card carrier comprising the steps of (l) providing first and second members of generally planar shape and a third generally elongated planar member all of synthetic resinous material; (2) interconnecting said first and second members along the longer edges thereof to form an envelope opened at at least one end edge thereof, and interconnecting one of said longer edges along the principal axis of said third member to form a flanged portion having a pair of laterally extending flanges each disposed in a common plane parallel to the planes of said first and second members and having free edges thereof which are in spaced relation with respect to said longer edges of said first and second members; (3) inserting a card of substantially the same length as the integrated first, second and third members; (4) severing said integrated first, second and third members at suitable substantially equal intervals along the said axis; (5) providing amounting member of generally planar configuration and having a plurality of slits extending through the body of the same, and disposed in substantially parallel relation, said slits having a length substantially equal to the length of said severed integrated rst, second and third members; (6) inserting said interconnected first, second and third members through said slit to a point where said flanges engage the surface of said mounting member adjacent said slits.

8. The method of making a multi-card carrier comprising the steps of (l) providing rst and second members of generally planar and rectangular shape, and third and fourth generally elongated members, all of synthetic resinous material; (2) interconnecting said first and second planar members along the longer edges thereof and along a line substantially midway between said longer edges to form a pair of interconnected envelopes, each having at least one opened end edge thereof, and interconnecting said third and fourth members to the outer edges of said interconnected first and second members along the principal axes of said third and fourth members so that each forms a flanged member having a pair of laterally extending continuous flanges each disposed in a common plane parallel to the planes of said first and second members and having free edges thereof which are in spaced relation with respect to said longer edges of said first and second members; (3) inserting an index card of substantially the same length as said envelopes into each of said envelopes; (4) severing said envelopes from each other along the axis of interconnection, and severing each of said separated envelopes laterally at substantially equal intervals; (5) providing a mounting member of generally planar configuration and having a plurality of slits extending through the body thereof, said slits being disposed in generally mutual parallel relation, and being of a length substantially equal to that of said severed portions of said envelopes; (6) inserting said severed envelopes through said slits to bring a surface of each of said laterally extending flanges into contact with a surface of said mounting member adjacent a slit. 9. The method of making a multi-card carrier comprising the steps of 1) providing first and second members of generally planar and rectangular shape, and the third and fourth generally elongated members, all of synthetic res1nous material; (2) interconnecting said first and second planar members along the longer edges thereof and along a line substantially midway between said longer edges to form a pair of interconnected envelopes, each having at least one opened end edge thereof, and interconnecting said third and fourth members to the outer edges of said interconnected first and second members along the principal axes of said third and fourth members so that each forms a flanged portion having a pair of laterally extending continuous flanges each disposed 1n a common plane parallel to the planes of said first and second members and having free edges thereof which are 1n spaced relation with respect to said longer edges of said first and second members; (3) inserting an index card of substantially the same length as said envelope into each of said envelopes; (4) severing said envelopes from each other along the axis of interconnection, and severing each of said separated envelopes laterally at substantially equal intervals; (5 )A providing a mounting member of generally planar configuration and having a plurality of slits extending through the body thereof, said slits being disposed in generally mutual parallel relation, and beingA of a length substantially equal to that of said severed portions of said envelopes; (6) inserting said severed envelopes through said slits to bring a surface of each of said laterally extending flanges into Contact with a surface of said mounting member adjacent a slit; (7) applying an adhesivecoated tape to the exposed surfaces of said flanged portions to maintain the same in xed mutual relationship.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,358,463 Rand Nov. 9, 1920 3 Stevens et a1. Jan. 27, Osborn VMay' 24, Perry Mar. 26, Learning Dec. 31, Ainsworth Dec. 23, Attwood Apr. 14, Emblem et al. Nov. 21, Coyle et al. Sept. 1, Sheils May 18, Horwin Dec. 6, Sparrow Sept. 18, Niles Oct. 23,

OTHER REFERENCES Globe-Wernicke VisibleIndex, Dec. 12, 1924. 

1. THE METHOD OF MAKING A MULTI-CARD CARRIER COMPRISING THE STEPS OF (1) PROVIDING FIRST AND SECOND MEMBERS OF GENERALLY PLANAR RECTANGULAR SHAPE, AND A THIRD GENERALLY ELONGATED PLANAR MEMBER OF SYNTHETIC RESINOUS MATERIAL; (2) INTERCONNECTING SAID FIRST AND SECOND MEMBERS ALONG THE LONGER EDGES THEREOF TO FORM AN ENVELOPE OPEN AT LEAST ONE END EDGE THEREOF, AND INTERCONNECTING ONE OF SAID LONGER EDGES ALONG THE PRINCIPAL AXIS OF SAID THIRD MEMBER TO FORM A FLANGED PORTION HAVING A PAIR OF LATERALLY EXTENDING CONTINUOUS FLANGES EACH DISPOSED IN A COMMON PLANE PARALLEL TO THE PLANES OF SAID FIRST AND SECOND MEMBERS AND HAVING FREE EDGES THEREOF WHICH ARE IN SPACED RELATION WITH RESPECT TO SAID LONGER EDGES OF SAID FIRST AND SECOND MEMBERS; (3) PROVIDING A MOUNTING MEMBER OF GENERALLY PLANAR CONFIGURATION AND HAVING A SLIT EXTENDING THROUGH THE BODY OF THE SAME, SAID SLIT HAVING A LENGTH SUBSTANTIALLY EQUAL TO THE LENGTH OF SAID FIRST AND SECOND INTERCONNECTED MEMBERS; (4) INSERTING SAID INTERCONNECTED FIRST AND SECOND MEMBERS THROUGH SAID SLIT TO THE POINT WHERE SAID FLANGES ENGAGE THE SURFACE OF SAID MOUNTING MEMBER ADJACENT SAID SLIT. 